When pursuing opportunities in Canada—whether for immigration, education, or employment—having your international academic qualifications evaluated is often a critical requirement. Institutions like credential assessment services help bridge the gap between international education systems and Canadian standards. But before you begin the process, it’s essential to understand the various types of reports available, what each one is designed for, and how much they typically cost.
Credential assessment services offer different report types based on the purpose of evaluation. Each report is designed with a specific audience and application in mind, whether that’s a government immigration program, a Canadian university or college, a professional licensing body, or an employer.
This detailed guide explores the most common types of credential assessment reports, their purpose, what they include, and the general cost structure so that you can choose the one that best fits your goals.
1. General Assessment Report
Purpose: The General Assessment Report is typically used for immigration, employment, and some licensing processes. It provides a basic comparison of your international credentials to Canadian standards.
What It Includes:
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Identification of the credential (degree, diploma, certificate, etc.)
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The name of the institution
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The duration of study
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The Canadian equivalent of the qualification
Ideal For:
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Federal immigration programs (e.g., Express Entry)
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Employers who need basic academic background
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Unregulated jobs that require proof of education
Cost Range: The fee for a General Assessment Report usually starts from a modest base price and can vary depending on the number of credentials being evaluated. Additional fees may apply for extra copies or courier services.
2. Secondary School Assessment Report
Purpose: This report focuses exclusively on secondary or high school qualifications. It’s used mostly for individuals who are applying to Canadian high schools or who need to demonstrate high school-level education.
What It Includes:
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Verification and recognition of secondary-level credentials
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The Canadian equivalent (e.g., Grade 12 Diploma)
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Institutional and country-specific academic context
Ideal For:
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Individuals applying to secondary schools in Canada
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Job applications requiring proof of high school education
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Supplemental applications alongside post-secondary assessments
Cost Range: This type of report generally costs less than higher education assessments, although additional services (e.g., urgent processing or delivery) may incur extra charges.
3. Post-secondary General Assessment Report
Purpose: Focused exclusively on post-secondary education, this type of report evaluates diplomas, degrees, and certificates from colleges, universities, or technical institutions.
What It Includes:
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Credential title and level
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Field of study
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Duration of study
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Institution status
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Canadian equivalent qualification
Ideal For:
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Job applications
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Career advancement
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Some educational pathways (e.g., bridging programs)
Cost Range: Typically falls within a mid-tier pricing range, with the base cost dependent on the number of post-secondary credentials submitted. Options for faster service or multiple copies are available at an additional cost.
4. Comprehensive / Course-by-Course Report
Purpose: The most detailed type of credential assessment report, the Comprehensive or Course-by-Course Report is often required by universities, professional licensing bodies, and some employers.
What It Includes:
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All elements of a General Report
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Detailed list of courses taken
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Grades or marks achieved
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Course credit hours
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GPA equivalents according to Canadian standards
Ideal For:
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University and college admissions in Canada
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Professional licensing bodies (e.g., health care, engineering)
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Credit transfers or advanced placement decisions
Cost Range: Because of its depth, this report is generally more expensive. The cost increases with the number of credentials or courses that must be evaluated. Institutions may offer bundled services to include multiple documents under one report for slightly reduced pricing.
5. Customized Reports or Supplemental Services
Some credential assessment services also offer tailored or supplementary options such as:
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Duplicate reports (for sending to additional institutions or employers)
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Updated assessments (if new qualifications are completed)
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Electronic delivery (direct to a university, regulatory body, or government agency)
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Translations (some institutions require notarized or official translations if documents are not in English or French)
These services come at additional costs and are generally optional, depending on your application requirements.
Processing Time and Delivery Options
Standard Processing Time: Credential assessments typically take several weeks to process once all required documents are received. Timeframes vary depending on the type of report and the complexity of your educational history.
Rush or Priority Processing: Many institutions offer expedited services at an extra fee, reducing processing time considerably.
Delivery Options: You can choose between regular mail or courier services. Courier delivery is more reliable and faster, particularly for international shipments, but will significantly increase your overall costs.
Additional Cost Considerations
When planning your budget for credential evaluation, it’s essential to think beyond the base report fee. Here are other potential costs you might encounter:
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Document retrieval or verification (if required from your home institution)
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Certified translation services (for non-English documents)
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Courier services for faster, secure document delivery
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Payment fees or currency conversion costs (especially for international applicants)
Some services offer bundled packages or discounted rates for submitting multiple credentials at once. Always review the service provider’s fee schedule to avoid unexpected charges.
